IWU Athletics was one of many individuals, families, groups, and businesses of Central Illinois recognized for their outstanding work with Special Olympics at the Everyday Heroes. Titan Athletics and Special Olympics have maintained a partnership for the past 14 years, and there is no end in sight. IWU Athletics provides facilities for Special Olympics events, recruits volunteers, hosts events for Special Olympics Athletes, and participates in the polar plunge.

In addition to the awards, the presentation included recognition of outstanding Special Olympics Athletes as well as testimonials from those who have been touched by the honored Everyday Heroes

On April 14th, Titans from all sports gathered for the end of the year Tommy Awards. Athletes from Spring 2013, Fall 2013 and Winter 2013-14 seasons were recognized for their accomplishments. Athletes are encouraged to bring a donation for the Clare House before taking part in dinner and the presentation.

Here is a look at this year’s winners!

Best Record Breaking Performance: Allie Boudreau, Women’s Track and Field

On April 13th, several IWU SAAC members and student athletes helped to make the Second Annual Westside 5k Run & Walk a huge success. The event took place at the Boys and Girls Club of Bloomington-Normal and benefits many different Westside nonprofits including The Boys and Girls Club, West Bloomington Revitalization Project, Heartland Headstart, Habitat for Humanity, MidCentral Community Action, YMCA, Western Avenue Community Center and Milestones Early Learning Center.

Some Titans ran the race while others helped with registration and check in, worked the finish line, and carried out the Kid’s Fun Run. SAAC cabinet members Dave McGrath and Nettie Rauch and Women’s Cross Country representative Erin McCarey worked all year to plan the race from start to finish.

This year, the event had 150 participants and raised nearly $3,000 for the nonprofits- doubling the funds raised from the previous year.

IWU Athletics is putting together a team of student-athletes and coaches who have promised to take the plunge on February 22nd. The Polar Plunge is an event which benefits the Special Olympics, an organization with which IWU has a great relationship. All participants are asked to raise at least $75 to participate in this event. You can join the IWU Athletics team or simply donate to the cause by going to the Polar Plunge website.

On Saturday, September 14th, many IWU student-athletes helped with the 3rd Annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. IWU women’s basketball coach Mia Smith was the captain for Team IWU, which had over fifty members. Many members of the women’s basketball team participated in the run/walk and senior Lexi Baltes was the top women’s overall finisher for the competitive run. In addition to running the race the women’s basketball team helped with set-up and registration on Friday afternoon. The men’s lacrosse team volunteered at the event by parking cars all morning and the volleyball team served as cheerleaders for the runners on the course. IWU’s band provided some upbeat music while runners made their way through the course. IWU’s SAAC donated $450 to help Team IWU and Coach Smith support this great cause.

On Saturday, February 23, nearly thirty athletes from multiple teams participated in the Bloomington-Normal Polar Plunge. The plunge, which took place at chilly Miller Park Lake, benefits The Special Olympics.

The 2nd Annual State Farm Tommy Awards will be held Monday, February 15. A meal from Rosati’s will be served from 6-7pm. The awards portion of the night will begin around 7pm and last approximately an hour. More information will be available soon. Check back for updates!